Meursault

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• Appellation restricted to the single commune of Meursault, in the Côte-d'Or, south of Beaune.
• The bedrock alternates between Jurassic limestones and marls, including the "calcaire de Chassagne" (Middle Jurassic) and the Upper Jurassic marls.
• The premier cru vineyards occupy the lower slopes, on "calcaires de Chassagne" or Middle Jurassic marls, and the gravelly alluvial fans at the foot of the hillside.
• Cool oceanic climate (approx. 750 mm/year, annual mean 10.5 °C), with a foehn effect provided by the shelter of the Burgundy plateaux.
• The "Côte" is a rectilinear tectonic escarpment (~25 km NE/SW), separating the limestone plateaux to the west from the Bresse plain to the east.

• As early as 1098, Eudes I, Duke of Burgundy, donated his vineyard to Cîteaux; the Cistercian winery retains its 12th-century vaulted cellars.
• Planting density often exceeds 9,000 vines/ha, with extended ageing; premiers crus were formally recognised in 1943 on Middle Jurassic limestones and dolomites.

• Dry whites: toasty, almond-scented bouquet, a rich and supple palate, green-gold appearance, with aromas of hazelnut, honey and flint, and outstanding length.
• Rare reds: flavours of black cherry, freshness and finesse; pair well with grilled or sauced meats and can be cellared for 5 to 10 years.

• Marly-calcareous soils with Jurassic dolomite + east-facing aspect + gentle slopes = ideal conditions for Chardonnay to express itself fully.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF)
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — BIVB